What is whale fall and how does it support marine ecosystems?

Situated in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a giant underwater mountain chain running down the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, mostly 2,500 to 3,000 meters deep. Hot vents, called black smokers, release 350 °C mineral-rich fluids. Microbes here make energy from chemicals, a process called chemosynthesis. They support colonies of worms, shrimp, and mussels living in total darkness. Most threatened by Seabed Mining.

Monterey Canyon cuts into California’s coast, deeper than the Grand Canyon is tall. Its steep walls and channels are shaped by powerful currents. Nutrient-rich waters here support unique deep-sea animals. It is also one of the world’s most studied marine canyons.

The Mariana Trench is the deepest place on Earth, nearly 11,000 meters down. It is dark, cold, and under crushing pressure. Only hardy animals like snailfish and amphipods, shrimp-like creatures, can live here. Life depends on “marine snow,” a slow rain of dead plants and animals.